DETERMINED efforts to re-route a free bus service down a neglected shopping street have gone city-wide.

UKIP Parliamentary candidate for Chester Allan Weddell has stepped up the pressure he is putting on the council to arrange for a diversion of the train station link bus down Brook Street and will petition businesses across Chester.

Cheshire West & Chester Council and The Chester Rail Partnership have stalled on a decision to re-route the free bus service.

Mr Weddell has vowed to widen his campaign across the city in the run up to the General Election.

He said: “Local shops, restaurants and pubs play a vital role in fostering community cohesion and serving local residents and I shall be contacting businesses across the city in the next few days and asking for their support. Window signs have been prepared, as have petition sheets and I anticipate a very positive response in support of hard pressed Brook Street traders.”

Mr Weddell will present the petition to Cheshire West and Chester Council during the three week General Election campaign.

“I find it ironic that a party which was once led by a grocer’s daughter has taken such a high handed attitude with local shopkeepers.”

A major inprovement scheme is currently being carried out in Brook Street by Cheshire West and Chester CouncilŠwhich is due to be completed in April.